Thawing System for Machinery Undercarriages

ABSTRACT

What is presented is a thawing system for thermally heating an undercarriage of a machine, with the machine having an engine and a track frame. This thawing system comprises a heating element and thawing line. The heating element is powered independently from the engine, produces thermal energy for the thawing system, and can be activated and/or stay activated when the engine is not active. The thawing line is connected to the heating element, adapted to spread thermal energy from the heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine, and is isolated from the engine. The thawing line extends from the heating element to the undercarriage of the machine via a channel, which is in the machine. Thermal energy is produced and delivered to the undercarriage of the machine when the heating element is activated.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/752,862 filed Apr. 1, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In winter weather conditions, it can take an operator roughly 30 to 90 minutes per each workday to properly clean the undercarriage of a machine (such as a bulldozer or excavator) by thawing various components of the machine so that the machine can be activated. Sometimes operators even need to use propane torches to thaw the frozen undercarriages and/or use tools to chip snow, ice, or mud from the track frames of the machines they operate. To solve this problem, the thawing system disclosed herein has been created. The thawing system is safe to use, helps minimize operator time spent on maintenance of the undercarriage, and reduces the need to replace frozen parts of the undercarriage. To accomplish this, the thawing system provides heat throughout the undercarriage of the machine and warms key components.

SUMMARY

What is presented is a thawing system for thermally heating an undercarriage of a machine, with the machine having an engine and a track frame. This thawing system comprises a heating element and thawing line. The heating element is powered independently from the engine, produces thermal energy for the thawing system, and can be activated and/or stay activated when the engine is not active. The thawing line is connected to the heating element, adapted to spread thermal energy from the heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine, and is isolated from the engine. The thawing line extends from the heating element to the undercarriage of the machine via a channel. Thermal energy is produced and delivered to the undercarriage of the machine when the heating element is activated.

The thawing system could comprise a rechargeable battery, connected to the heating element. This rechargeable battery is recharged while the engine is active and it assists in activating the heating element.

The thawing system could also comprise a track cast that travels around the perimeter of a track frame on the machine. The track cast is used to evenly distribute thermal energy around the track frame. The thawing line is positioned in the track cast.

The heating element could comprise a pump that is used to circulate either petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, through the thawing system. The pump that could be in the heating element may be an electric pump. The thawing line could be fluidly connected to the heating element, so that the thawing line carries either petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, to the undercarriage of the machine. When the thawing line is fluidly connected to the heating element, the thawing system could also be connected to a reservoir. The reservoir is an access point to the petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze. The thawing line could be constructed from aluminum or stainless steel. The thawing line could also comprise a first high pressure line and a second high pressure line. Both the first high pressure line and second high pressure line would be fluidly connected to the heating element to carry the petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, from the heating element to the rest of the thawing system.

In another embodiment of the thawing system, the thawing line is an electrical conduit that is connected to the heating element. In this embodiment, the thawing line uses electricity to generate thermal energy.

What is also presented is a method of installing a thawing system to a machine. The method comprises the steps of obtaining the thawing system, creating a channel in the machine that allows passage of the thawing line from the heating element to the undercarriage, fixedly connecting the heating element to the machine, and fixedly connecting the thawing line to the machine such that the thawing line extends to the undercarriage from the heating element via the channel. In this method, the thawing system comprises a heating element and a thawing line. The heating element produces thermal energy for the thawing system when the thawing system is installed on the machine. The thawing line is connected to the heating element when the thawing system is installed on the machine. The thawing line is isolated from the engine when the thawing system is installed on the machine. The thawing line is also adapted to spread thermal energy from the heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine when the thawing system is installed on the machine.

What is also presented is a method of preventing freezing or snow/ice buildup on the undercarriage of a machine. In this method, the machine requires an engine and a track frame. The thawing system comprises a heating element that produces thermal energy for the thawing system, when the thawing system is installed on the machine, and a thawing line connected to the heating element, when installed. The thawing line is isolated from the engine and is adapted to spread thermal energy from the heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine, when installed. The method comprises the steps of installing a thawing system on the machine, activating the thawing system while the engine of the machine is not active, and allowing the thawing system to remain active over the duration of time the engine is not active. The method could also comprise the step of positioning the thawing line in a track cast. The track cast travels around the perimeter of a track frame that comprises a front idler, top roller, bottom roller, metal shields, and track thread. The thawing line distributes thermal energy to the front idler, top roller, bottom roller, metal shields, and track thread.

Those skilled in the art will realize that this invention is capable of embodiments that are different from those shown and that details of the devices and methods can be changed in various manners without departing from the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as including such equivalent embodiments as do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding and appreciation of this invention, and its many advantages, reference will be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overhead view of a thawing system installed on the undercarriage of a machine that is a bulldozer;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the thawing system and machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is the thawing system of FIG. 1 installed on the undercarriage of a machine that is an excavator;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the thawing system and machine of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a overhead view of a different embodiment of the thawing system installed on the undercarriage of a machine that is a bulldozer; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the thawing system and machine of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, some of the reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding parts through several of the embodiments and figures shown and described. Corresponding parts are denoted in different embodiments with the addition of lowercase letters. Variations of corresponding parts in form or function that are depicted in the figures are described. It will be understood that variations in the embodiments can generally be interchanged without deviating from the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, a thawing system 10 is installed on the undercarriage 16 of a machine 12 having an engine 14 and a track frame 34. As shown, the machine 12 could be a bulldozer or an excavator, but it could also be installed on any industrial machine that has an engine 14 and uses a track frame 34 for movement. The thawing system 10 uses thermal energy to heat the undercarriage 16 of the machine 12, preventing freezing from occurring while the engine 14 is not active, and also helps thaw any snow or ice buildup while the engine 14 is not active. To specifically prevent freezing or snow/ice buildup on the undercarriage of the machine 12, the thawing system 10 simply needs to be activated and remain active over the duration of time the engine 14 is not active.

The thawing system 10 comprises a heating element 18, which is independently powered from the engine 14 and can be activated and/or stay activated when the engine 14 is not active. When the heating element 18 has been activated, it produces thermal energy for the thawing system 10. The heating element 18 can generally be positioned in any location on the undercarriage 16. The heating element 18 comprises a hydraulic pump 20 that circulates fluid, such as petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, anti-freeze, etc., throughout the thawing system 10. As this fluid is being circulated, the heating element 18 heats the fluid to a temperature that can properly thaw the undercarriage 16. It should be understood that the heating element may also comprise an electric pump to circulate fluid through the heating element 18. Electric and hydraulic pumps 20 are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

A rechargeable battery 22 is operatively connected and positioned close to the heating element 18. The rechargeable battery 22 is recharged while the engine 14 is activated and assists with the activation of the heating element 18.

A thawing line 24 is connected to the heating element 18 and is completely isolated from the engine 14. No fluid circulating through the thawing system 10 comes into contact with any fluid flowing through the engine 14. Generally, this thawing line 24 is a metal conduit constructed from aluminum or stainless steel, but any material able to conduct the heated fluid used in the thawing system 10 and conduct or radiate heat to thaw the undercarriage 16 may work. The thawing line 24 comprises a first high pressure line 26 and a second high pressure line 28 that are each fluidly connected to the heating element 18. Both the first high pressure line 26 and second high pressure line 28 are adapted to work in conjunction to spread the thermal energy radiated from the heated fluid throughout the undercarriage 16. The first high pressure line 26 and second high pressure line 28 typically travel around the opposite sides of the undercarriage 16, but they could have some other configuration.

Both the first high pressure line 26 and second high pressure line 28 extend from the heating element 18 to the undercarriage 16 via a plurality of channels 30 formed in the machine 12. These channels 30 can be made from pressed metal secured to the machine 12, holes drilled through a portion of the machine 12, or openings cut out of a portion of the machine 12. Once on the undercarriage 16, each of the high pressure lines 26 and 28 travel into a respective track cast 32, where they are securely positioned around the perimeter of the track frame 34. The track cast 32 travels around the perimeter of the track frame 34 and helps to distribute the thermal energy radiating from the high pressure line 26 or 28 evenly around the track frame 34. The machine 12 generally comprises two track frames 34, which each provide underlying support for their respective track thread and also comprises a front idler, top roller, bottom roller, and metal shields. As the fluid circulates through the high pressure lines 26 and 28, their heat is radiated from the thawing line 22 around the track frame 34, where the front idler, top roller, bottom roller, metal shields, and track thread are each warmed.

A reservoir 36, which is a sealed tank operatively connected to either one of the high pressure lines 26 or 28, is positioned in one of the track frames 34. The reservoir 36 is an access point for the operator of the machine to access the fluid used in the system to top off fluids or drain the pressure lines 26 and 28, if needed. It should be understood that both track frames 34 could comprise their own individual reservoir 36, if needed. The thawing system 10 could also comprise a single reservoir 36 operatively connected to both high pressure lines 26 and 28.

A machine 12 could be constructed to have a thawing system integrated at the factory or an existing machine 12 could be retrofitted with the thawing system 10. Retrofitting a thawing system 10 can be accomplished on an existing machine 12 in the following manner; first, the thawing system 10 to be installed is obtained. A plurality of channels 30 are created in the machine 12, to allow passage of the thawing line 24 from the heating element 18 to the undercarriage 16. Next, the heating element 18 is fixedly connected to the machine 12. A track cast 32 is fixedly connected around the perimeter of the track frame 34 of the machine 12. The thawing line 24 is fixedly connected to the machine 12 such that the thawing line 24 extends to the undercarriage 16 from the heating element 18 through the channels 30 and positioned in the track cast 32. A reservoir 36 connected to the thawing line 24 may be installed in the track frame 34, if needed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of the thawing system 10 a generates electricity to create thermal energy for heating the undercarriage 16 a. Heating element 18 a generates electricity sent through thawing line 24 a, which is an electrical conduit connected to the heating element 18 a. Resistance within the thawing line 24 a generates the thermal energy radiated and used to heat the undercarriage 16 a.

A rechargeable battery 22 a is operatively connected and positioned close to the heating element 18 a. The rechargeable battery 22 a is recharged while the engine 14 a is activated and helps to assist activation of the heating element 18 a by providing a charge.

The thawing line 24 a comprises a first line 38 a and a second line 40 a that are each operatively connected to the heating element 18 a. Both lines 38 a and 40 a are adapted to work in conjunction to spread the thermal energy throughout the undercarriage 16 a. The first line 38 a and second line 40 a typically travel around opposite sides of the undercarriage 16 a. Both the first line 38 a and second line 40 a extend from the heating element 18 a to the undercarriage 16 a via a plurality of channels 30 a that are formed in the machine 12 a. These channels 30 a can be made from pressed metal secured to the machine 12 a, holes drilled through a portion of the machine 12 a, or openings cut out of a portion of the machine 12 a. Once on the undercarriage 16 a, each of the lines 26 a and 28 a travel into a respective track cast 32 a, where they are securely situated around the perimeter of a track frame 34 a. The track cast 32 a helps to evenly distribute the thermal energy radiating from the line 26 a and 28 a around the track frame 34 a.

As with earlier embodiments, this system may be incorporated into new machines as they are constructed in the factory or existing machines may be retrofitted with new thawing systems. Installation of this system is similar to the earlier presented embodiments.

This invention has been described with reference to several preferred embodiments. Many modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such alterations and modifications in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents of these claims. 

1. A thawing system for thermally heating an undercarriage of a machine, the machine having an engine and a track frame, said thawing system comprising: a heating element powered independently from the engine, said heating element produces thermal energy for said thawing system, said heating element can be activated and/or stay activated when the engine is not active; a thawing line connected to said heating element, said thawing line is adapted to spread thermal energy from said heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine, said thawing line is isolated from the engine; said thawing line extends from said heating element to the undercarriage of the machine via a channel; and thermal energy is produced and delivered to the undercarriage of the machine when said heating element is activated.
 2. The thawing system of claim 1 further comprising a rechargeable battery connected to said heating element, said rechargeable battery is recharged while the engine is activated, said rechargeable battery assists in activating said heating element.
 3. The thawing system of claim 1 further comprising: a track cast traveling around the perimeter of the track frame on the machine, said track cast for evenly distributing thermal energy around the track frame; and said thawing line is positioned in said track cast.
 4. The thawing system of claim 1 further comprising: the track frame comprises a front idler, top roller, bottom roller, metal shields, and track thread; a track cast traveling around the perimeter of the track frame on the machine, said track cast for evenly distributing thermal energy to the front idler, top roller, bottom roller, metal shields, and track thread; and said thawing line is positioned in said track cast.
 5. The thawing system of claim 1 wherein said heating element comprises a pump for circulating one of the following, petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, through said thawing system.
 6. The thawing system of claim 1 wherein said heating element comprises an electric pump for circulating one of the following, petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, through said thawing system.
 7. The thawing system of claim 1 wherein: said heating element for circulating one of the following, petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, around said thawing system; said thawing line is fluidly connected to said heating element, said thawing line is adapted to carry one of the following, petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, from said heating element to the undercarriage of the machine; and said thawing system further comprises a reservoir connected to said thawing line, said reservoir is an access point to one of the following, petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze.
 8. The thawing system of claim 1 wherein: said thawing line comprises a first high pressure line and a second high pressure line; and both said first high pressure line and said second high pressure line are fluidly connected to said heating element, both said first high pressure line and said second high pressure line are adapted to carry one of the following, petroleum based oils, synthetic oils, water, or anti-freeze, from said heating element.
 9. The thawing system of claim 1 wherein said thawing line is constructed from aluminum or stainless steel.
 10. The thawing system of claim 1 wherein said thawing line is an electrical conduit connected to said heating element, said thawing line uses electricity to generate thermal energy.
 11. A method of installing a thawing system on a machine, the thawing system for thermally heating an undercarriage of the machine, the machine having an engine and a track frame, the method comprising: obtaining the thawing system, the thawing system comprising: a heating element that produces thermal energy for the thawing system when the thawing system is installed on the machine; and a thawing line connected to the heating element when the thawing system is installed on the machine, the thawing line is isolated from the engine when the thawing system is installed on the machine, the thawing line is adapted to spread thermal energy from the heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine when the thawing system is installed on the machine; creating a channel in the machine that allows passage of the thawing line from the heating element to the undercarriage; fixedly connecting the heating element to the machine; and fixedly connecting the thawing line to the machine such that the thawing line extends to the undercarriage from the heating element via the channel.
 12. The method of installing a thawing system to a machine of claim 11 further comprising activating the heating element, the heating element can be activated and/or stay activated when the engine is not active.
 13. The method of installing a thawing system to a machine of claim 11 further comprising positioning the thawing line in a track cast, the track cast traveling around the perimeter of a track frame on the machine.
 14. The method of installing a thawing system to a machine of claim 11 further comprising connecting a rechargeable battery to the heating element, the rechargeable battery is recharged while the engine is activated, the rechargeable battery assists in activating the heating element.
 15. The method of installing a thawing system to a machine of claim 11 wherein the thawing line is constructed from aluminum or stainless steel.
 16. A method of preventing freezing or snow/ice buildup on the undercarriage of a machine, the machine having an engine and a track frame, the method comprising: installing a thawing system on the machine, the thawing system comprising: a heating element that produces thermal energy for the thawing system when the thawing system is installed on the machine; and a thawing line connected to the heating element when the thawing system is installed on the machine, the thawing line is isolated from the engine when the thawing system is installed on the machine, the thawing line is adapted to spread thermal energy from the heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine when the thawing system is installed on the machine; activating the thawing system while the engine of the machine is not active; and allowing the thawing system to remain active over the duration of time the engine is not active.
 17. The method of preventing freezing or snow/ice buildup of claim 16 further comprising positioning the thawing line in a track cast, the track cast traveling around the perimeter of a track frame on the machine; the track frame comprises a front idler, top roller, bottom roller, metal shields, and track thread; and the thawing line distributes thermal energy to the front idler, top roller, bottom roller, metal shields, and track thread.
 18. The method of preventing freezing or snow/ice buildup of claim 16 wherein the thawing line is constructed from aluminum or stainless steel. 